West Palm Beach Online Solicitation Attorneys

Online Solicitation Attorneys in West Palm Beach

Sex crimes against children always carry significant criminal penalties and defendants are quickly condemned by society. These cases require the aggressive defense of an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney, capable of protecting a defendant’s freedom and defending his reputation.

While solicitation of prostitution is among the adult sex crimes that can be initiated online, it is crimes against children that are most often the focus of law enforcement.

Those who believe they are under investigation should not wait until arrest. Early consultation with an experienced criminal defense law firm is the best thing you can do to protect your rights and minimize the damage, even as evidence is being gathered against you. Exercise your right to remain silent. Resist the temptation to try to talk your way out of trouble. Anything you say can be used against you and may conflict with potential defenses that may otherwise be available to you after seeking the help and guidance of an experienced defense attorney.

Internet Solicitation Defense

Internet solicitation occurs when an adult over age 18 encourages, lures or entices a minor (someone under the age of 18) to engage in a sex act through a computer networking system or the Internet. There are other associated crimes, such as possession of child pornography, which can quickly become serious as each image may be considered its own separate felony crime and video will be an aggravated factor that will further enhance the charges and penalties a defendant faces.

In recent years, overzealousness by law enforcement has become an increasingly common issue in these cases. Even images traded among consenting teenagers may be pursued as a felony sex crime.

Florida Statute 847.0135(3) covers crimes associated with computer pornography, prohibited computer usage and the penalties for traveling to meet minors to engage in sexual activity. Under the law, you can be found guilty of Internet solicitation if you knowingly use an internet service, online computer service, local bulletin board or other device to attempt to actually entice, lure, solicit or seduce a child, or a person believed to be a child, to commit illegal sexual acts.

Internet solicitation is usually a third degree felony, carrying a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation and a $5,000 fine. However, those defendants accused of misrepresenting their age during the commission of an offense can be charged with a second degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

Our Team Can Help

It’s important to note that there are 5 elements to the crime and your West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney will work to disprove each element required for a conviction:

  • That you acted “knowingly.”
  • Using the internet or computer device.
  • To entice, lure, solicit or seduce.
  • A child or someone believed to be a child.
  • To commit illegal sexual acts.

Failure to prove each element will result in a defendant not being convicted of online solicitation. It’s important to note that sexual battery does not need to occur. The crime is committed once the enticement occurs. Additionally, the law does not allow defendants to argue they did not know the person was under the age of 18 and/or that the victim willingly engaged in the activity.

You may also be charged with using your phone during the commission of the offense, in addition to a computer device, resulting in two charges against you. The law also makes it a separate criminal offense to travel to meet a child for sexual activity.

The experienced Palm Beach defense lawyers at Salnick Law, P.A. represent clients facing criminal charges in Palm Beach County and throughout the area, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, Greenacres, Lantana and Palm Springs.

Call 561-471-1000 today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

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"Greg Salnick is not just a great lawyer but a solid human being. He made sure that our entire family was kept apprised every step of the way and generally cared for the well-being of us all. Criminal cases are hard enough but with Greg in your corner you are getting the best hands down."

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former client

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